What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability -- it refers to children or adults who have average to above-average intelligence and no limiting physical or emotional problems, yet experience unanticipated difficulty in reading, spelling, and written expression or reading comprehension.

There are other definitions in use today, including those from the International Dyslexia Association and National Institutes of Health

IDA definition
Dyslexia is a neurologically-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic.

Dyslexia is not the result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions. Although dyslexia is lifelong, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention.

National Institutes of Health definition
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.

These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

What are the causes of dyslexia?
The causes are unclear. Most current medical research is focusing on atypical neurological development believed to affect language learning and processing. These developmental differences appear not to affect general intelligence but seem to make language learning, especially reading, more difficult.

How many dyslexics are there?
It is estimated that 15 percent of the U.S. population is dyslexic, or:

• 129,068 individuals with dyslexia in Marion County,
• 912,072 individuals with dyslexia in Indiana,
• 42,610,804 individuals with dyslexia in the United States, and
• 921,510,468 individuals with dyslexia in the world.

How do you identify dyslexia?
No two persons with dyslexia have the same characteristics. However, most dyslexics have poor sensitivity for the sound segments that make up spoken words – called “phonemes”. Dyslexics also find it hard to understand the relationship between these sounds and letters that comprise written words.

Common characteristics seen in reading, spelling, and writing include persistent reversals;substitutions; and omissions and additions of sounds, letters, syllables, or words. Spelling is typically very poor. There may be blending and sequencing problems: speech sounds cannot be put together, the days of the week or months of the year cannot be presented in order. There may be confusion in directionality (left-right, up-down, etc.) and in learning to tell time. Problems in remembering things are common, especially when it involves written language. Tasks involving routine organization can present problems. A confirmed diagnosis of dyslexia can only be made after testing and evaluation by a trained professional.

Is it true that dyslexics may be unusually capable in creative activities?
Yes. Dyslexics are typically average or above average in intelligence. While found in all walks of life, dyslexics often excel in architecture, engineering, the arts, sometimes science, and occasionally math. Dyslexics like and are frequently good at hands-on activities.

Are there any famous dyslexics?
Yes. Computer industry giant Steven Jobs of Apple, inventor Thomas Edison, author Hans Christian Anderson, genius Albert Einstein, sculptor Auguste Rodin, environmental activist Erin Brockovich Ellis, General George Patton, business magnate Nelson Rockefeller, Olympic swimmer Bruce Jenner, football great Joe Montana, and entertainers Cher, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Cruise and Harry Belefonte.

Can persons with dyslexia learn to read and write well?
Young people with dyslexia begin reading instruction at a disadvantage. Fortunately, “LD” may be viewed as ‘learning differently’ rather than as ‘learning disabled.’ If the problem is recognized and appropriate instruction is provided, people with dyslexia can learn to become competent readers. They can also learn to express themselves well in writing. Spelling will usually be their weakest skill. Adult dyslexics can likewise learn. However, they frequently need to surmount substantial self-doubts which come from years of frustration, disappointment, failure and, sometimes, even humiliation.

What happens to dyslexic students in school?
Many young people with mild dyslexia are never identified and struggle through school. They may be variously described as “not too bright,” “lazy,” or “slow.” The more severe will be part of the bottom reading group and are often formally labeled “learning disabled.” A feeling of being stupid or even mentally retarded is not uncommon, as are self-esteem issues. Despite effort on their part, continual failure leads many to give up academically. Only in schools aware of the problem and with appropriately trained teachers do such students have good prospects of learning to read and write at levels commensurate with their general ability.

How do you teach dyslexics?
Persons with dyslexia learn best when information is structured in a sequential fashion, which moves from the simple to the complex. Knowledge about language and its rules and regularities need to be directly taught. For most, one-on-one instruction is essential. Seeing, saying and doing (also known as multi-sensory learning) are crucial. A synthetic phonics approach is the first step in an instructional program, which enables these students to become independent learners. Knowledge about how they best learn and process information is important to both the student and the tutor.

Do dyslexics tend to have other problems too?
Many, but not all persons with dyslexia, show delayed speech, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and allergies. Secondary emotional problems can arise which contribute still further to reading difficulties if the person fails enough and is misunderstood. Many dyslexics grow up with self-doubts about their intelligence and ability. Frustration and disappointment in their educational, occupational, and personal achievement is common.